Exercise, but no support... how do I do it?

[Anonymous]

I had a baby 18 months ago and I'm eager to get in shape. I just want to lose a bit of my thighs as they are rubbing together and it's uncomfortable as I used to have a thigh gap before I fell pregnant. I thought of doing some squats and maybe some stomach exercises to lose some extra fat from pregnancy. I just don't feel very motivated as I have no support. I'm a single mum and I don't have anyone to encourage me or help me. I'm a little stuck on how to start or how to motivate myself. I eat healthy so that's not a problem, it's just the exercise part that has me stumped. Any suggestions?

[Idonthaveausername]

Squats and stomach exercises will tone your muscles without causing you to lose weight. I do this because I'm happy with my current weight, but want my body to feel healthy and it seriously helps with tension. If you want to lose weight, you have to do cardio excercise (get your heartrate to about about 120-150BPM) for at least 30 minutes a day. Walking is a good low -impact cardio excercise if you're not a big workout person and you can walk your kid to the park (if it's not to cold where you live). Swimming is great because it works all of your muscles. I'm a weirdo so I like hoola-hooping (it can even burn up to 600 calories an hour) because it's easy and makes your waist nice and tight. It doesn't really matter what you do as long as you get your blood pumping and keep it consistent. The only support you need is your own. If you start to see results, this will encourage you to keep going.

[Asker]

Hoola Hooping sounds like a great idea lol Definitely not a weirdo... Thanks for the idea. I use to be pretty toned and fit before I fell pregnant. Hopefully I can get back into it...

[Asker]

Do you recommend a specific hoola hoop?

[Idonthaveausername]

Seriously? That's pretty awesome.

I don't have a particular name brand in mind, but there are things I prefer in a hoola-hoop.

I like the ones with heavy metal balls in them because they provide good balance to keep the hoop from falling. I've used a water-weighted one once that was fairly decent. Anything with light balls or no weights will fall down, you won't be able to keep it rotating, and will get frustrated.

It's important to pick on that's the right size. One that's too small for you won't get enough rotation in, so it won't be able to build up centrifugal force to stay up. I can use ones that are too big if I overrotate myself, but this is difficult and not something I'd suggest for beginners. Te perfect size hoop will be easy to keep up and switch to your neck or hands.

I suggest trying them out in the store until you find one you're comfortable with.

I spin mine counterclockwise, can't keep it up going clockwise

[Asker]

Ok cool, thank you :)

[Idonthaveausername]

You're welcome. Most people don't realize the reason they can't hoola-hoop is because of the hoop, not them. You only need a slight side to side and even slightly back and forth motion to keep it rotating.

Good luck with you thigh gap. I have thick thighs that chaffe constantly. All genetics, I'm perfectly healthy. I have to wear tights and leggings under shirts because of it, and shorts are even s pain.

[Asker]

lol well I hope I can find a good hula hoop...
Thank you... I put on weight around my thighs. I'm small everywhere else except for down there lol I do like curvy, it is sexy... I just hate the chaffing and yes I had to wear shorts last summer under my dress' well tried to anyway until my vagina looked like it was hungry and attempted to eat my shorts haha